Review: asus xonar one

Digital formats are an important source for audiophiles, for this reason, the ASUS Xonar team has created for lovers of quality sound the Xonar Essence One, their first Hi-Fi USB digital to analog converter (DAC).

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ASUS XONAR ONE (DAC) FEATURES
Audio performance	Output Signal-to-noise ratio (A-Weighted) (Front output): 120 dB THD + N output at 1kHz (Front output): 0.000316% (- 110 dB) Response frequency (-3dB, 24bit / 192KHz input): 10 Hz to 48 KHz Output / Input Full-Scale Voltage: Vrms (Vp-p)
Bus compatibility	Audio Processor: C-Media CM6631 High-Definition Sound Processor
Sampling frequency and resolution	Analog output resolution and sampling frequency: 44.1K / 48K / 88.2K / 96K / 176.4K / 192KHz @ 16bit / 24bit S / PDIF digital input: 44.1K / 48K / 96K / 192KHz @ 16bit / 24bit ASIO 2.0 Driver Compatible: Hz @ with very low latency Oversampling Capability:
Entrance exit	Analog output jack: 2 x 3.5mm RCA jack 1 x 6.3mm RCA jack 2 x Balanced Output (XLR) 2 x S / PDIF Digital Input 1 x USB input
accessories	CD Drivers x 1 6.3mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter x 1 Audio Precision (AP) test results x 1 User Manual x 1 USB cable x 1 Power cable x 1
Dimensions	261.33 x 230 x 60.65 mm (L x W x H)
Observations	Some versions can incorporate 2 types of cable for different countries.

Asus has designed its first Hi-Fi USB digital to analog converter (DAC). This is a high-end DA converter with symmetric 8x oversampling technology, a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio, a high-quality headphone amp, and a design with eleven op amps for tonal adjustment.

Hi-Fi audio with symmetric 8x oversampling technology

While the most common oversampled DA converters transfer any sound source at 192kHz, the Xonar Essence One oversamples the 44.1 / 88.2 / 176.4kHz content at 352.8kHz and the 48/96 / 192kHz at 384kHz symmetrically. (Note: 44.1 × 8 = 3 52.8kHz; 48 × 8 = 384kHz). The result is an increase in data volume by increasing the resolution to 32bits and preserving all the details of the user's music collection.

Headphone amplifier compatible with all types of headphones (up to 600 ohms)

The Xonar Essence One integrates a high-end headphone amplifier compatible with all types of headphones (impedance up to 600 ohms). It offers a higher dynamic range, great detail and lower distortion for the best possible audio quality.

The Xonar Essence One is the first USB DAC to incorporate a design with eleven interchangeable op-amps. The op-amps are some components in charge of the amplification of the analog signal that affect the tonal characteristics of the sound such as the brightness or warmth of it and the stereo image. The Xonar Essence One is the first DAC that allows you to change all the op-amps built into its design.

The DAC is protected by a robust, large cardboard box.

On the back we have all the features of the converter.

The DAC is accompanied by:

• Instruction manual and test book.CD with software / drivers.

It is also accompanied by a European power cable (depending on the version includes an American one) and a USB cable for connection to the computer.

General view.

On the back we only found a sticker.

Front view.

We can raise and lower the sound of helmets and satellites.

Here we have the buttons for power off, "upsampling", input and mute.

And the different rear connections (power, speakers, coaxial output, USB, etc…).

Asus has dazzled us with its Xonar range. Designed to enjoy music, movies or any game. Aesthetically beautiful: aluminum body, xonar logo and silver buttons.

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What a success in our test bench. The Asus Xonar One has performed amazingly well with Logitech Z-2100s and ESI Near 05 Classic active monitors. But we have also tested its amplifier with two contrasting headphones on the market: Superlux HD 681 (Copy of AKG) and some Beyerdynamic MMX300. Our tests gave us "goose bumps" when we listened to FLAC music.

Although we would have liked the USB cable to be longer and it would have been a good idea to equip it with a remote control.

The Asus Xonar One analog-to-digital converter is a faithful companion for music lovers and any user. Its price of € 400 is within the reach of few pockets, but your investment is worth it if we have speakers that squeeze its potential.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ SOLID DESIGN.	- DOES NOT INCLUDE CONTROL.
+ EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY.	- SHORT USB CABLE.
+ USB CONNECTION.
+ SOUND AMPLIFIER.
+ VARIETY OF CONNECTORS.

The team awards him the gold medal: